Justice News

Two Georgia men plead guilty to federal methamphetamine charges

Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Nicolas Dale Pierce, 32, of Covington, Georgia, and Eric James Nelson, 27, of Conyers, Georgia, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine.

On February 10, 2015, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) received information that Nelson and Pierce had brought large quantities of methamphetamine from Georgia to Elkview, West Virginia. Officers attempted to stop Pierce near the LaQuinta Inn in Elkview, but before officers were able to reach the car, Pierce sped away hitting several vehicles. Officers eventually found Pierce behind the nearby Crossings Mall. Pierce rammed two police cars with his car, and then fled on foot. One of the police cars was a total loss due to the impact. When police finally caught up with Pierce, they found him in possession of approximately $2,900 in cash, part of which was prerecorded buy money used during a controlled drug deal earlier in the day. Police also located a loaded gun that Pierce had thrown from his car.

Officers also apprehended Nelson near the LaQuinta Inn. Nelson had approximately 150 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun in his possession.

Nelson and Pierce admitted that they were working together to sell methamphetamine in and around Kanawha County.

Nelson and Pierce face up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced on July 29, 2015. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. is presiding over the cases.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation with the assistance of Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution.